Studies & Facts
So, just what do you know about Glycolic? Here are some facts to get you started.
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In a 2009 “Comparative Study on the Effect of Retinoic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid on the Thin Skin,” Retinoic (0.05%), Glycolic (12%) and Salicylic (10%) acid preparations were applied, monitored and evaluated.
Regarding sensitive skin, and the conception that glycolic thins the skin, the Glycolic acid group showed several interesting results. While it decreased thickness of nucleated keratinocytes normally located on the outermost layer of the epidermis, it also increased thickness to the stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum, located in the bottom epidermal layers. In the end, a twofold increase in epidermal thickness was observed. Overall, a thicker epidermis is deemed better equipped to resist environmental damage.
Regarding wrinkles and skin firming, the Glycolic group showed a marked increase in collagen density and elastic fiber content. While both Retinoic and Glycolic acids-induced dermal fibroblastic stimulation to increase collagen and elastic fibers production, "Salicylic acid did not show dermal fibroblastic stimulation."
In acne, "Glycolic acid had anti- inflammatory effect.”
With pigmentation and skin lightening, “Glycolic acid induced degeneration in melanocytes with marked decrease of melanin.” In conclusion, both "Retinoic and Glycolic acids showed complementary actions in treatment of hyperpigmentation and as chemical peeling agents. Salicylic acid also is a peeling agent, but its effects could be covered by either Retinoic or Glycolic acids."
Reference: Comparative Study on the Effect of Retinoic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid on the Thin Skin. Egypt. J. Histol. Vol. 32, No. 1, June, 2009: 17 – 32. (ISSN: 1110 - 0559). Original Article: Abeer A. Abd El Samad and Nagwa Kostandy Kalleny. Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University
Links
For further reading on the subject of Glycolic, feel free to check out the following:
Glycolic Acid Peel Therapy – A Current Review
Chemical Peels: What's New and What Isn't New but Still Works Well